2007 NTCA Yearbook - Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association

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SUPPORTING RURAL AUSTRALIA ABN 34 005 543 920 Appointed Brokers to NORTHERN TERRITORYRY CATTLEMENʼS ASSOCIATIONATION OAMPS Insurance Brokers builds its reputation on its commitment to Territorians and the experience to identify the individual insurance needs of its customers. Thatʼs why, along with their current ability to offer: > local representation with off fices in Darwin and Alice Springs > vast experience in the Territory Insurance Industry > national and international insurance connections and > a genuine commitment to provide the best claims service in the Territory OAMPS Insurance Brokers also offer a Direct Service Free Call number 1800 621 152 Contact OAMPS today for an Obligation Free Quote with the most Competitive Premiums DARWI N Andy Cielens Tel : (08) 8941 3610 andy.cielens@oamps.com.au ALICE SPRINGS John Sheridan Tel : (08) 8953 1977 john.sheridan@oamps.com.au
Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Incorporated Advancing and Protecting the Interests of Cattle Producers in the Northern Territory Beefing up liveweight gain MLA Beef Up Forum – NTCA Annual Conference 2007 Take home messages 1. There are many ways to increase liveweight gain, but very, very few of them come for free! 2. Make sure that you know your production system (Where am I now?): • What are the target market specifications for your cattle? • What is the current performance of your cattle? • How many cattle can my paddocks manage (short and long term)? • How does feed quality vary with season? • What is it currently costing to produce a kilo of animal? 3. Cattle liveweight gain is determined by two key factors: Genetics and Environment. To profitably achieve your desired level of liveweight gain you need to understand how you can influence both of these factors in your favour. Best practice indicators • Planning has been done. • Performance is being tracked. • Liveweight gain meets or exceeds your targets. • Costs are as budgeted or less. • High percentage (or all) cattle meet market specs. • Enterprise profitability is up/boss is happy. • Number of nagging doubts about what we did and why is down! How to learn more MLA Edge Network workshops: GLM, Nutrition, Breeding Resource Consulting Services (RCS) Grazing for Profit Courses Contact your Farmbis Coordinator. Matt Bolam 4. Investigate Genetic Options: • Genetics determines the underlying potential for your cattle to use the nutrients that they consume. • Make sure you use bulls with high growth EBVs and ensure they can deliver the goods. • Weigh up the pros and cons of breeding systems that allow you to make the most of cross-breeding and hybrid vigour. • Select for good temperament so that you can easily capture the benefit of high growth genetics. 5. Manage the things you can in the Environment: • Keep your country in good condition – good condition country grows more feed and has more of the preferred species that will drive liveweight gain. It is an absolute must to keep your eye on the carrying capacity ball over the long term. • Adjust stocking rates to feed availability and to optimise liveweight gain per head and per hectare. • Use HGPs if the markets permit and if they fit with how you like to do business. • Supplement the limiting nutrient eg P in the wet, protein in the dry, energy and protein for small weaners. • Manage internal and external parasites and other potential disease issues, especially in more intensive feeding situations. • Handle stock in a way that minimises stress. • Make sure your staff are aware of what it is you are trying to achieve and why – bring them along for the ride. 6. Set objectives and measure your performance against these (Where am I going and, most importantly, did I get there?) Don’t just say I want to increase LWG. You must have a reasonable handle on how much you want to increase LWG and why and how any change you make will increase your bottom line. Otherwise the potential to blow your time and money is endless! Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Year in review 2006-2007 41
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2007 NTCA Yearbook - Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association

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